Admission Requirements

Successful completion of a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field from an accredited university.

Minimum GPA

Cumulative GPA meeting one of the following requirements

Undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 (4-point scale); or

Major GPA of at least 3.0 (4-point scale); or

GPA of at least 3.0 (4-point scale) for no fewer than nine semester credits of graduate study from another accredited graduate institute.

MSCS foundation requirements

You MUST MEET ONE of the following requirements:

Bachelor's degree in the field of computer science or a related field (demonstrated with an academic transcript).

Students with a bachelor's degree in fields not closely related to computer science also may qualify with relevant work experience.

All students must have a basic foundation in the key undergraduate computer science courses of programming I, programming II, object oriented programming, database management, software engineering, either through completed education or significant work experience.

If you DO NOT MEET any of the above conditions, the director of graduate programs for the College of Business and Economics and the Computer Science department can review your education and experience and provide an appropriate assessment and plan of action to assist you in developing the necessary skills and experience to prepare you for successful admission to the MSCS program.

Complete an approved undergraduate computer science core (or deficient part at UW-River Falls or another university.

Foundation courses at other universities. You may meet the foundation requirement by taking appropriate undergraduate or graduate courses at other universities. We suggest you check with us regarding application of courses before you take them. Please contact the CBE Director of Graduate Programs regarding these courses.

International students

For international students from non-English speaking countries, TOEFL (minimum 80 internet-based test score) or IELTS (minimum 6.5 score) in required.

Application Process

In order to apply for the MSCS program, the following materials, in addition to an online application, must be mailed or sent electronically to the MSCS program.

Transcripts

Official transcripts to be sent from each institution attended. Issuing school(s) should send the official transcripts directly to Leanne Van Allen, CBE Director of Graduate Programs, at the address listed to the right.